Are you ready for law-abiding fun and chaos? The Arlington Police Department is assembling thousands of residents and their communities to host neighborhood gatherings. National Night Out 2014 is Tuesday, Oct 7.

The introduction of National Night Out, "America's Night Out Against Crime," began in 1984 to encourage participation in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood fellowship, and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are prepared and fighting back.

This program peaks annually on the first Tuesday of October in Texas. In the rest of the country, NNO is observed on the first Tuesday in August.

National Night Out involves over 37.8 million people and 16,124 communities from all 50 states, U.S. Territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide.

The city of Arlington has participated in National Night Out for over 20 years. For the past five years, Arlington has ranked in the top ten among the largest participating cities in the nation.

Barbecue pits are fired up with burgers, hot dogs and more. Some neighborhoods plan entertainment events that include live music, pie-eating contests and games for the kids.

Officer Kim Fretwell, Arlington NNO 2014 Coordinator, suggests having group conversations and mixers on the night of their party. For example, neighbors can plan a Neighbor of the Year Contest, organize a cake walk, talent show, scavenger hunt, present an award for the oldest resident or play neighbor trivia games.

The purpose of National Night Out is to build strong partnerships between the police and communities, and to promote crime awareness programs such as Neighborhood Community Watch and Citizens on Patrol.

Sgt. Vincent Pewitt of the Crime Prevention Unit advises event coordinators to plan ahead, have fun and be creative.

How do you get started? Discuss the idea with your neighbors and decide if you want to participate. It's that simple.

If you would like to help the City of Arlington take a proactive stance against crime and compete for another national award, register your National Night Out 2014 event.

Remember, the early bird gets pizza! Register your National Night Out party by Tuesday, Sept. 2 to have your name entered in a drawing for 10 free pizzas for your gathering.

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